From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. —Buncombe County and Guilford County are tied for the highest number of officer-involved shootings in North Carolina so far in 2026, with three incidents each, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. 

Statewide, the NCSBI has investigated 28 such shootings.

The third and most recent confirmed incident in Buncombe County occurred on July 15, outside Shakey’s bar in downtown Asheville. This shooting was one of three that have taken place in the area within a four-month span, contributing to the concerning statistic. 

The other two occurred at an apartment complex and a shopping center.

While some communities and advocates are pointing to the impact of mental health and alcohol on these encounters, law enforcement attributes the high numbers to the unpredictability and dangers faced by officers on the job. 

Notably, the total is heavily localized.